August 10 / 17.30 Chepstow

17.30

Soft

William Hill Keep Your Raceday Positive Racing League Race 8 Handicap (Racing League)

  • Prize money: £12885
  • 1m 0f 14y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
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William Hill Keep Your Raceday Positive Racing League Race 8 Handicap (Racing League)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 935155 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Made all off 5lb lower at Newmarket (1m, good) in June but had to settle for fifth off today's mark on consecutive outings last month and needs the addition of blinkers to squeeze out more from him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(2)

31st Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Sandown

Cabinet Of Clowns

9st 11lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Generally very consistent last season and was back in peak form when scoring in refitted blinkers at Windsor (1m, good) this month; probably doesn't have much margin for error off new mark but can still pose a threat; often leads.

9/2

1st

5

(12)

15th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 4

19:50 Windsor

Cabinet Of Clowns

10st 1lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Fair fifth at Newmarket in May, before a lesser show 11 days ago; peak 2023 efforts (one C&D) came when blinkers were enlisted on last five starts and they now return for the first time this season; one to note.

12/1

8th

7

(6)

4th Jul 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Cabinet Of Clowns

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

prominent

7/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 151617 C

Last run: 103 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Three-time AW winner this year (9.4f-1m2f) but managed only a midfield finish after racing too freely on turf return in April; returns from 103-day break here; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Arcadian Nights

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Record of 10-33 on AW features six wins at Wolverhampton, including in this race (off just 1lb lower) last year; close fourth at Lingfield for an encouraging start to his 2026 campaign; fighting chance.

7/2

4th

4

(5)

10th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Lingfield (AW)

Arcadian Nights

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Best known as a Wolverhampton specialist (six wins), but is 2-5 over C&D and the middle leg of his hat-trick early last year included this race off 3lb lower; interesting.

7/1

10th

4

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

Arcadian Nights

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Mark Loughnane

Has a much better stirke-rate on AW than on turf; form dipped back in this sphere when last seen; on a difficult mark and isn't the percentage call.

25/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 75-142 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Not as good as he was but won off reduced mark on seasonal debut at Thirsk (1m, good) in May and made the frame on both subsequent appearances (both 1m, good to soft); usually ridden patiently; no surprise if he appears late on the scene.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(3)

24th Jul 2025

Soft

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

18:40 Yarmouth

Hartswood

9st 5lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Richard Fahey

Prolific winner who was in fine form through the winter but progress was stalled by a three-month absence when well beaten at Carlisle (1m, soft; ground no excuse); would have each-way claims if back on song a month later.

25/1

11

(14)

25th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

15:15 Carlisle

Hartswood

9st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Has won three of his last four regulation races, two on the AW and the other at Doncaster in March (1m, good); won the charity race at York for the second time 12 days ago, goes well on soft ground and one to take seriously.

12/1

1st

2

(18)

30th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:55 Doncaster

Hartswood

11st 2lb

J: Miss Lois Teal

T: Richard Fahey

in rear

8/1

OUR TIP

4/1

Form: -34263 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Very creditable second of 22 in Spring Mile at Doncaster (1m, heavy) in April and ran to similar level when third at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) last month; drops in grade today and is evidently versatile regarding ground; likely contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(3)

27th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Titian

9st 9lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Won an amateur riders' race off a mark 2lb higher than today's at York (1m2f, good) last June but he didn't match that level on his six subsequent starts; never-dangerous sixth of ten at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) when last seen 181 days ago and has since undergone his second wind operation; each-way claims on his return.

10/1

11th

13

(13)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Doncaster

Titian

8st 11lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Hasn't been at his very best since his 1m2f win at York in June but he's back to only 1lb above that successful mark and is a dual soft-ground scorer.

25/1

Form: 795650 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Regressive 8yo who hasn't won for nearly two years; very well handicapped on form as recent as March but was last of 12 off this mark at Newmarket on Friday and needs today's headgear switch to perk him up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(8)

8th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Power Of Darkness

9st 9lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Charlie Fellowes

prominent

6/1

6th

9

(3)

24th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Power Of Darkness

9st 3lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Charlie Fellowes

took keen hold, prominent

10/1

2nd

3

(9)

17th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Power Of Darkness

9st 10lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Charlie Fellowes

All six wins on turf but running well on AW lately and probably did well to last for as long as he did when third of 12 at Newcastle (1m, Tapeta) ten days ago; races off the same mark and should go well again.

6/1

Form: 521553 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Scored at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) in June and has remained in good form since; involved in same bunch-finish as Sun King when close third in Racing League event at Yarmouth (1m, good to soft) a fortnight ago; each-way claims at least here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

28th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

17:45 Market Rasen

United Front

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

midfield, went remote third 4th, prominent when ridden before 2 out, lost position approaching last, mistake and weakened last

3/1

2nd

4

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:05 Newton Abbot

United Front

11st 11lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Not beaten far on any of his three hurdling starts for Fergal O'Brien this season and, given he was very useful on the Flat at his best, could quite plausibly turn out to be well treated for this handicap hurdle debut.

5/1

9/2

Form: -54554 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Pretty consistent 4yo who was beaten under 1l when fourth (just behind United Front) in Racing League contest at Yarmouth (1m, good to soft) a fortnight ago; 1lb lower here and ought to be on the premises again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(4)

28th Aug 2023

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:40 Epsom

Sun King

11st 7lb

J: Mr Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

midfield

16/1

7th

2

(10)

10th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 4

17:30 Chepstow

Sun King

9st 11lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: George Boughey

Pretty consistent 4yo who was beaten under 1l when fourth (just behind United Front) in Racing League contest at Yarmouth (1m, good to soft) a fortnight ago; 1lb lower here and ought to be on the premises again.

9/2

4th

2

(6)

27th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

18:30 Yarmouth

Sun King

9st 12lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: George Boughey

1m turf winner for Aidan O'Brien last spring; four runs for new yard without progressing, fifth of ten at Chelmsford (1m2f) in a first-time headgear combination (retained) on latest seven weeks ago; drops back to 1m now; mark has edged down.

8/1

Form: -64354 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Scored off this mark at Windsor (1m, good to soft) last summer and has posted three very respectable runs since dropped back to 1m and fitted with blinkers in June; probably won't be far away but others appeal more; cheekpieces back on today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(2)

13th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

16:45 Beverley

Snapcracklepop

9st 10lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Gemma Tutty

Can lead; creditable effort on second start for yard when runner-up at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in June but he's had problems at the stalls otherwise this year and refused to enter them in July; capable but risky.

14/1

11

(1)

19th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

18:25 Haydock

Snapcracklepop

9st 1lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Gemma Tutty

Excuses for two below-par efforts for current connections either side of his Pontefract second off a 2lb higher mark; holds each-way claims.

20/1

7/1

Form: 374-13 D BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Career-best performance when winning by 5l (eased down) on seasonal debut at Carlisle (1m, good to soft) in June but beaten under 5lb penalty over same C&D a few days later and full 9lb rise has now taken effect; needs to prove he can cope with a mark this high.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(7)

9th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:00 Pontefract

Albegrey

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

Paid dearly for his 5l success at Carlisle (7.7f, good to soft) in June; edging back down the weights now and not beaten far when sixth of 12 in a first-time tongue-tie at Ayr (1m, good to soft) last time, but still more needed; stable also runs Golden Melody.

16/1

6th

4

(2)

21st Sep 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:10 Ayr

Albegrey

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

towards rear

16/1

11th

12

(4)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Thirsk

Albegrey

9st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

midfield, against rail

20/1

Form: 526312 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Raced mainly over 7f but followed last month's course win over that trip with a close second over C&D (good to soft) a fortnight ago; could have more to offer over 1m but may find this race too competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(7)

3rd Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

15:20 Bath

Macs Dilemma

9st 8lb

J: William Carson

T: John O’Shea

C&D winner; losing run stretches back over two years and he hasn't fired yet this year; dropped 10lb as a result but perhaps not ready to capitalise just yet.

33/1

3

(3)

22nd Jul 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Macs Dilemma

9st 13lb

J: James Turner

T: John O’Shea

Not run on the AW since 2022 and has regressed on turf in recent times, having been rated a stone higher at the start of last season; well held in three runs round his beloved Chepstow this year.

16/1

13/2

Form: 0-7404 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
A slow-burner for new yard this season but, with cheekpieces refitted, raised his game when fourth in Racing League race at Yarmouth (7f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; sure to be suited by today's return to 1m; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(2)

30th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Ascot

Yantarni

8st 13lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Ian Williams

Good spell last summer culminated in a good second off 8lb higher in the Shergar Cup Mile here; not in the same form since, including during a stint in Bahrain.

16/1

Form: 0-6873 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Won off today's mark last summer and wasn't far off her best form when keeping-on third over C&D (good to soft; just behind Macs Dilemma) a fortnight ago; can give another good account but others in this line-up look stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(2)

24th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Celtic Empress

9st 10lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Heather Main

Still 1lb lower than when last successful and ran with credit when fourth of ten at Goodwood (1m, soft) nine days ago; well beaten in one previous go on the AW (at Kempton) so she does have a bit to prove.

12/1

4th

8

(4)

15th Oct 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Goodwood

Celtic Empress

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Heather Main

Best effort this term when third at Chepstow (1m, good to soft) on penultimate start; exposed mare but is handicapped to go well, having won off 1lb higher here in August 2022; creditable fourth in this race last year.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £176.40
Straight Forecast £267.79
Tricast £1948.90
Trifecta £2819.40

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Macs Dilemma

SPOTLIGHT:

Titian

The Guardian:

Hartswood

NEWMARKET:

Sun King

Telegraph:

Albegrey

RP RATINGS:

Yantarni

POSTDATA:

Celtic Empress

TOPSPEED:

United Front

The Sun:

Sun King

Daily Mail:

Albegrey

The Times:

Macs Dilemma

D Express:

Macs Dilemma

THE NORTH:

Titian

Daily Mirror:

Titian

The Star:

Hartswood

Daily Record:

Hartswood